Wecks: What are the advantages of being in independent author?
Howey: There are many. For a lot of indie writers, the money is better. The difference in royalty rate is startling. Also, you’re free to price your books reasonably. I’d rather excite the imagination of a legion of readers and make pennies from each of them than hold off for a larger chunk of change from only a handful of fans. I think this is why indie books make up so much of the bestseller lists on Amazon. We’re more competitive with our rates, and the quality is there if you search it out.
Some more advantages: Indies are privy to their real-time sales data. We are paid monthly rather than once or twice a year. We can explore other genres. I’ve been free to write standard fiction, books like Half Way Home that have more of a fantasy feel to them, all without clearing it with anyone. We can publish short stories and novellas.
The greatest advantage, though, is the relationship with the fans. As I interact with readers, there’s a feeling of camaraderie, like we’re all in this together.
Read the rest of the interview at http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/hugh-howey-interview-part-one-science-fiction-indie-writing-and-success/
The author generously shared his sales number (100,000 sold) with the Kindle Boards on March 17, 2012.
Success well deserved! His books are really great and very affordable. I wouldn't be surprised if one of his books is made into a movie.
Update: surpassed the 200,000 sold mark during June 2012.
Highlighting some of the author's books:
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Link to Top 100 Books Ranking (by genre) as rated by Readers
These eBook success stories are very inspiring. I read several authors, including Darcy Chan, Bella Andre's Sullivans and Page McQueen's trilogy - the Pamela Stone series. Wow, these authors will go far if they continue to write such compelling stories.
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